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"Until COVID-19 do us part": a qualitative study on perceived sexual intimacy and mental health in heterosexual older couples during the COVID-19 pandemic

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dc.contributor.authorLow, Gail
dc.contributor.authorvon Humboldt, Sofia
dc.contributor.authorLeal, Isabel
dc.date.accessioned2025-10-22T16:21:17Z
dc.date.available2025-10-22T16:21:17Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.description.abstractThis study aims to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on heterosexual older couples’ sexual intimacy and in relation to their mental health. A content analysis of the ideas and insights shared by 391 older persons (between 65 and 87 years of age) from three different countries was most instructive. The most frequent themes were less sexual satisfaction (68%) and less sexual desire (67%). In terms of mental health, the most frequent themes included less anxiety and distress (78%) and greater attention to negative emotional states (55%) Cultural differences emerged, with Brazilian and Portuguese participants more frequently reporting negative themes compared to British participants, who emphasized stronger emotional bonds. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, ongoing research and interventions should prioritize understanding and addressing the implications of reduced physical contact and heightened emotional stress on sexual intimacy.
dc.identifier.citationvon Humboldt, S., Low, G., & Leal, I. (2024). "Until COVID-19 do us part": A qualitative study on perceived sexual intimacy and mental health in heterosexual older couples during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sexuality & Culture 29, 293–313 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-024-10268-2
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-024-10268-2
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14078/4085
dc.language.isoen
dc.rightsAttribution (CC BY)
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.subjectCOVID-19 pandemic
dc.subjectmental health
dc.subjectolder adults
dc.subjectheterosexual older couples
dc.subjectsexual intimacy
dc.subjectsexual well-being
dc.title"Until COVID-19 do us part": a qualitative study on perceived sexual intimacy and mental health in heterosexual older couples during the COVID-19 pandemicen
dc.typeArticle

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